A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way!

I love helping people put together amazing trips, and making fantastic memories. It's always nice to hear things went well afterward, too. Especially by hand-written card, instead of by email.

#exploretheworld #traveldeep #makememories #ilovehelpingpeople #travelconcierge #romancespecialist #thankyousareawesome #icanshowyoutheworld #cruiseplanners

13Brittny Foga, Scott Hammer and 11 others

Life is short. Take the trip. Explore. Make amazing memories. Become a storyteller.

 

Growing in Grace & Beauty

My little sweetpea is 13 today! My, my how the time has flown by since this lovely young lady jumped into our lives, and added a wonderful layer of fun, enchantment, and delight. As our youngest officially enters the world of teenagers, she continues to grow in grace and beauty and continues to melt my heart, just like she did the first time I laid eyes on her in the hospital 13 years ago today. She may not be small any longer, but she'll always be daddy's girl. I love you, Annie! Happy Birthday!

Quality Resort Time and Family Fun

Coloring, scrapbooking, reading, and baking cookies. What a fun, relaxing kind of evening in the room, after a fun-filled day at the water park. As much as I love the theme parks, these trips where we don't go to them are so nice. Hanging out at the resort, lots of swimming, and enjoying some of the other wonders of Walt Disney World.

#makingmemories #familyvacations #itsthetimetogetherthatcounts

Ice Cream...it's What's for Lunch!

When on vacation, it's what's for lunch. The Earthquake...Not for the faint of heart, it just a couple people. Serves up to 8. Your choice of 8 flavors and 8 toppings. (Not as sickening as the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream, either.)

Sandals' St Patrick's Day Sale!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What better way to spend this day than at Sandals Resorts, with unlimited amounts of your favorite cocktail at no additional cost! Book your Sandals vacation during their St. Patrick's Day sale and receive a FREE Private Candlelight Dinner for two when you book a Club level room or higher. Bottoms up!

#SandalsTravelAgent

Resevations Now Open for Celebrity's Newest Ship - Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge sets sail on Dec. 16, 2018. Reservations opened today for this amazing new ship, that will revolutionize cruising once again. Contact me at 317.776.1733 for info and pricing or www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations. Alternating between the eastern and western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, this new ship shouldn't be missed.

Harvard Business Review Recognizes the Travel Agent's Worth!

Thank you, Harvard, for recognizing the value of using a Travel Agent for booking those unforgettable experiences. I do my very best to help my clients have the most wonderful vacation experiences....whether on the land, sea, or on a river. Live is short. Acquire memories, not things.

Harvard Business Review Cites Travel Agents As Example For Salespeople To Follow

In an article titled “B2B Salespeople Need To Act More Like Travel Agents,” authors Nicholas Toman, Brent Adamson and Cristina Gomez note that “Having more information doesn’t always make it easier to decide. Consider what’s happened with travel: With the explosion of internet travel sites in the 2000s, consumers took charge of their own travel, and travel agencies hemorrhaged business. Fast forward to today. According to the travel and leisure marketing firm MMGY, the use of travel agents increased by 50% from 2014 to 2015. Why? Because consumers, overwhelmed by information and inundated with choices, are again turning to travel agents to take the work out of travel planning.”

Thank You, Jimmy Fallon, For Recognizing Our Worth!

 

“Of course I use a travel agent. Travel agents get you the best rooms and the best rates. I was friends with a travel agent growing up in Saugerties, NY; I’ve used a travel agent my whole life. I don’t even know how to book my own trip.” - Jimmy Fallon

I enjoy his positive enthusiasm and energy with his show. He cracks me up many times with his different sketches and ensemble musical bits, and when I saw this in an article promoting the new "Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon" attraction opening at Universal Orlando this spring, I was delighted. It's always nice when people recognize the value and service that TA's provide. DIY really is for crafting projects like you see on Pinterest - not for experiences utilizing potentially thousands of your hard-earned dollars. Professional Travel Agents are like your own travel concierge and work hard to ensure you have a fantastic experience and really do treat every trip request as if it were for their own family (at least I do). Thanks

Jimmy Fallon

for the shoutout! Those of us in the industry appreciate positive comments like this.

They Don't Stay Little for Long. Blink and They're Grown.

These three. They are my pride and joy. One of them is now 21.

Time keeps moving forward, that's for certain!

Ireland Here I Come!! A Compilation of Thoughts About The Trip - Day One...Travel & Arrival - Before the FAM Begins

February 3, 2017 @2:07 pm

I'm off to see the wizard, the wonderful...no, wait, I'm not headed to Emerald City but to the Emerald Isle! Look out Dublin, Limerick, Cashel, Cork, Killarney, Foynes, Adare, Bunratty and Offaly because here I come!

As shared from my Facebook posts, be warned my friends, for instead of political banter and heavily skewed opinions your feed may be interrupted for some beautiful scenery and images throughout the next week. I'm sure you'll be sad to see them instead of the muck and mire from left and right, but it's my job and I have to report on what is going on in the world. 😎 Note: I am going to be only posting on Facebook during this trip but will be compiling what I post here into a few entries with multiple segments pieced together.

Always Something New Whenever I Come to NYC

I enjoy staying at different places when I come to the city to be able to enjoy different experiences and be able to have a list of recommendations for clients coming to New York. This time I stayed in Yotel at 10th & 42nd. It is an excellent value and conveniently close to the theatre district. Just a short walk to the Convention Center, and the subway. The cabins are small but efficient. It's sleek and modern, with both Japanese and European influences. The elevator plays hip and fun music, and there's a robot in the lobby to help store your luggage for later in the day departures.

My view this morning as I finish getting ready for the day, packing for my flight home later, and then venture out for a supplier meeting and more. I've never had a room with a view of the river before, so this has been pretty cool, but as I look at the Hudson River and think about flying home from LaGuardia, all I can think about is Sully and the crazy but safe landing on the river. I've flown out of LGA numerous times since that crash years ago never even giving it a thought, but since watching the movie about it this past summer with Matthew, that's what has come to mind every time I've looked out this window this trip! I would never have thought about it before that birds could take down a plane. Who knew?! Oh well, no worries here, it's just so real being here, looking at the river and flying from the same airport. I know that when it's my time and God is ready to take me home it'll happen regardless of where I am or what I'm doing and I have zero control over it... So no fear in traveling for me. It's just more the movie geek in me coming out, as many disaster movies are so fake it's ridiculous...but that one was real. . If you haven't watched it, do so. It's cool but intense.

 Following my vendor lunch meeting, I tried something else new to me...I ventured to the "top of the rock"...Rockefeller Center that is. The view to the north over Central Park was amazing! To the south is the Empire State Building (which I've previously been to the top of), and downtown.

And then it was back to LaGuardia for my flight home, back to Indiana, at least for 3 nights until the next big adventure! The Chicago and New York Travel Shows are now done, and the follow-up begins with all of the leads, and the bookings continue. These shows can be grueling long hours, but the business generated is well worth the physically taxing nature of the events that they are. Next up comes the LA Travel & Adventure Show in 3 weeks. I am absolutely looking forward to that one...but my first visit to the Emerald Isle comes first! I love traveling, but tonight I get to sleep in my own bed and love on my family. Hurray for being home once more!

Where Might I Help You Go Next?

It's another busy day here at the New York Times Travel Show! Family Reunion cruises, The Galapagos, Spain, and Alaska have been my hot topics this morning as I have been helping people plan some amazing trips. Where might I help you go next?

#morethanjustcruises #yourLANDandcruiseexperts #itsvacationplanningtime

It's Been a Full Day!

 

It was a very long day here in NYC booking great vacations for people! Hot topics of the day included Alaska, Bermuda, Sandals resorts, and European River cruises. I'm excited with the results thus far and looking forward to another great day tomorrow. After the show, it was great to eat in one of my favorite places here in the city - Junior's Restaurant, where I enjoyed an enormous roast beef sandwich. After such a big meal, the cool night air feels great as I walk back to my hotel for a little rest before the show starts again tomorrow. Good night from Times Square!

A Weekend of Fun Selling Experiences & Adventures for People to Getaway and Have Some Fun!

And the fun begins.... NOW! The doors will be opening in just a few moments and we're right up front by the entry doors, ready to sell amazing experiences for people to get away from their stress and some rejuvenation. If you're in the NYC area today, come see me! We're at The New York Times Travel Show at Javits Center.

The Internet & Travel Shows are for Looking...but TRAVEL AGENTS Are for Booking!

We're all set up and ready for a great weekend event! The hall is filled with so many amazing destinations and vacation opportunities from every continent on display this weekend at the show... but the best part is, I can help plan your amazing vacation to any of them! The internet and travel shows are for looking, but agents like me are for booking!!

#vacationtime #starttheplanning #CruisePlanners #Morethanjustcruises

It's Time to Get On a Plane Headed East

 

I'm looking forward to a great few days in NYC with friends and colleagues as we meet new clients and sell some fantastic vacations at the New York Times Travel Show. If you're in NYC this weekend, stop by and see me!

It's always fun to be in the city. I always see/do at least "one new thing" when I visit...can't wait to see what it is this time ( other than the Travel Show, of course).

If You Guessed the Emerald Isle, Then You Were Correct...

Ireland. Ding, ding, ding...for all those who guess it, you are correct. Ireland is where I'm headed in less than two weeks and I'm so excited! I've sent many wonderful clients there in the past, and now I go to experience it myself to be able to send even more people to the enchanting Emerald Isle. Experience with a destination is definitely better than google!

Chicago Travel Show Has Been So Busy!!

Time for another great day at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show! Cuba, Europe, Cruises, Walt Disney World, and Hawaii, plus a Destination Wedding were all the hot topics yesterday...excited to learn where else I can send today's guests. If you're local, come see us! Next weekend is New York City. It's (always) the vacation booking season!

The Excitment is Building for My Next Big Adventure

Today I leave for Chicago to get ready for the annual Chicago Travel and Adventure Show. Next Thursday I leave for New York for the New York Times Travel Show. The following Thursday, I leave on a great new adventure! A new-to-me destination that has been enchanting visitors and residents alike for centuries with its rolling green hills, scenic coastal drives, windswept valleys, and tumultuous history. It's not a beach-goers paradise, so definitely not in the Caribbean or South Pacific, but it does have beaches and beautiful ocean vistas, it's just not known for its beaches. I can't wait to share it with you live!

Who Is Ready to Plan Their Adventures for 2017?

Scotland, Walt Disney World, Aruba, a wedding cruise, Hawaii, Playa del Carmen, New Zealand, Panama Canal cruise, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and a domestic girlfriend's getaway... these are all vacations I'm currently working on booking for some awesome clients. Where can I help you plan an amazing adventure?

#itsvacationtime #wanttogetaway #cruiseplanners #morethanjustcruises

Goals for 2017

One of my goals for 2017 includes visiting four new countries. In just 3 weeks I get to enjoy a great new adventure and knock that goal down by one. I'm so excited! Where oh where will I go this time?

In the Year Ahead, What New Places Will You Discover?

I've got some exciting experiences on the calendar for 2017 - new places that I've not been to yet, and can't wait to share them with you when they happen. What new places will you go and discover in the new year?

Say Hola to Cuba in 2017

Who's ready to cruise to Cuba? In 2017 you can cruise into Havana on Norwegian Sky with an overnight stay....oh, and did I mention Open Bar is included??

Currently, only May sailings are open for booking, but more will come. Don't delay - book today before the prices start to increase. Call me at 317.776.1733 to get YOUR sailing booked.

Take the Trip. Make the Memories While You Can.

When the kids are young, and often budgets are tight, it might not seem possible to be able to take vacations. At the moment it seems like they'll be small forever - but in reality, they'll be grown and gone before you know it. Stuff will always be waiting for you to buy. Time with the kids won't always be available. Take the trip. Make the memories while you can. I'd be honored to help you create some fantastic memories for your family in 2017 and beyond. www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations 317.776.1733

Cancun Is Calling While the Snow is Falling

To my midwest peeps... The temperatures continue to drop, and the snow is falling turning our area into a wintry playground. If that gets you down, call us to help you get some vitamin sea instead! Whether you're thinking of an all-inclusive resort, a cruise, a Disney or Universal visit, or simply a vacation rental by the ocean, at Cruise Planners, we are your land & cruise experts and can help you "seas" the day and beat the pending old man winter blues. Winter is just beginning. Let us help you plan a great getaway for January or February when the cold is at its worst! Call 317.776.1733 or visit our website at www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations We'd love to help you find the perfect winter getaway.

Here We Grow Again

Sometimes I share what I'm doing and most times I don't. Today I'm enjoying lunch with my friend, David Nicely, who I'm thrilled to announce will be joining my team and the journey that I've been on for more than five years now. David has a great love for adventure, and Disney, as I do. He and his family love Walt Disney World, and he's had great fun helping people plan amazing trips to the "Vacation Kingdom" many times. He brings a wealth of sales experience from his primary career and looks forward to jumping in and helping people create memories to last a lifetime. David becomes my third Associate, and I look forward to an exciting year ahead as he completes his CP training and he can get down to the business of making magic for families. It's so fun to look back over the past five+ years and see how far I've come with this travel adventure, and thank God for His continued blessings. David, Liz, and Rachel comprise a great team that I am blessed to lead.

Black Friday Offers A Plenty

My inbox is full of amazing Black Friday offers on travel...too many to list from all-inclusive resorts, cruises, and more... this one however is one you won't see anywhere else – it is an exclusive sale through Cruise Planners only on Oceania Cruises. The last day to book is November 30th and it includes a reduced deposit, pre-paid gratuities, included shore excursions, and more. This is a perfect line for Foodies!

Message me, call me at 317.776.1733 or send me an email at clingren@cruiseplanners.com for Oceania or any of the other Black Friday travel deals! There are LOTS of them! Learn more about the Oceania offer here: bit.ly/CP_OceaniaSale

Remembering Our Veterans

A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including their life. That is beyond honor, & there are too many people in this country who no longer remember that fact. HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY and THANK YOU to all my Veteran friends and family members.

Not Everyone Fits the Bill for Needing the Help of a Seasoned Professional When Arranging an Incredible Travel Experience

These 10 types of people certainly don't need the help of a travel professional...do YOU know anyone like these types? I sure do.

Wood Badge Means So Much To Me

I have been so blessed and honored to serve on the staff for the fall Wood Badge courses here in the Crossroads of America Council for each of the past 5 years. This past weekend wrapped up the second of the two weekends, and like every single course before, was bittersweet to come to the end of the practical part of the course as our participants move on to work on their individual Ticket goals. Like every year it was long, tiring, and at times difficult to press on type of volunteer work... but at the same time it was oh-so-sweet and rewarding. Seeing so many a-ha moments in the eyes and faces of our participants; so many people going from insecurity to confidence; from "I'm not sure about this" to "I got this". It was fabulous in so, so many ways. I look forward to watching each of our participants work to complete their Tickets and earn their beads and cheering them on over the next up to 18 months.

Leadership lessons in a fun setting, filled with great people all along the way. As the course photographer (among other roles), I just wasn't in very many of the pictures taken, but here are just a few moments with some very special guys and gals that I was privileged to serve with on this amazing course, C6-160-16-2. For all of my Central Indiana Scouting friends who have not yet experienced a Wood Badge course - I highly recommend you register for one of the courses in 2017 - you will absolutely not regret it. #leadershiplessonsforlife #BSA #WoodBadge #ScoutNation #BacktoGilwell It's been a fun, fun ride.

More Than Just Cruises!

I just returned from Beaches Turks & Caicos, and the AMEX More Knowledge Conference. During the conference, I was able to update and renew my Certified Specialist status for the Sandals & Beaches Resorts, and expand upon my first-hand knowledge of that particular resort, which goes a long way when talking with clients and potential clients about their vacation experience desires and needs. Attending on-site conferences, seminars and tours is an important part of continuing education within my chosen profession, just as it may be in yours.

I'm pleased to be a certified specialist, as well as a WeddingMoons Certified Specialist, which I first earned at Sandals Royal Bahamian, where I also had the pleasure of serving as best man in a wedding! Feel free to ask about that one!

Many people get easily confused by the name of my franchise - Cruise Planners. They tend to think that selling cruises is all we do... but it isn't. Did you know that my personal selling mix is actually about 60% LAND vacations, and only 40% CRUISES? I sell a lot of all-inclusive resorts, Disney & Universal vacations, honeymoons, rail, golf, and more... all in addition to the cruises that I sell. Please don't rule me out for your next vacation just because you see Cruise as the first word in the name!! Your business and referrals are greatly appreciated! You can learn more about what I do, and what I can help you with at: www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations and it would be awesome if you would like my business page at

facebook.com/showyoutheworld

Beaches Turks & Caicos From Above

My friend & colleague, Russ, captured this image of the resort on his flight off the island this afternoon. What a great shot! Key West Village with the blue roofs, Italian Village with the red roofs to the left of Key West; Caribbean Village with the light roofs to the left of Italian; and French Village with the grey and red roofs below the Caribbean.

#beachesturksandcaicos

Snorkeling Fun!

We were treated to a snorkeling adventure yesterday. The resort features a fleet of 13 watercraft - 5 of which are motorized: a catamaran, 2 diving boats, a snorkeling boat, and a glass-bottom boat. (The rest are non-motorized - kayaks, sailboats, Hobie cats, and pedal bikes). They also feature an assortment of paddleboards and floating rings. We went out about 10 minutes from the shore and enjoyed a nice 45-minute swim. I did not have my underwater camera with me, but a colleague did, and she'll be sharing her pics with me later. I'm looking forward to seeing them!

I saw some Midnight Parrotfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Graysby, Bermuda Chub, Sargeant Major, Sea Cucumber, Brown Tube Sponge, and Bar Jack. It was pretty nice. I liked that it wasn't an extremely long excursion, but was very happy we got to do it. ( I looked at a fish chart this morning to identify what I saw... I didn't know all of the names without that bit of assistance! )

Unlimited Diving is Included at Sandals & Beaches

Diving anyone? PADI Certified? Unlimited diving is included. Not yet certified? You can get Sandals certified for a year at any Sandals resort for $100. Full PADI certification also available. #beachesturksandcaicos

I Love Cookie Monster...

Look who I got to meet! Sesame Street fun, only at Beaches Resorts! Cookie, cookie, cookie, that's the monster for me. #beaches #familyfun #greatmemoriesmadehere

The Hot Tub Called to Me

Good morning from Turks & Caicos! A little pre-breakfast hot tub time was on today's menu before the conference's activities begin in earnest for the day. Make it a great day wherever you are.